When choosing contractor, ask advice of experts

Q: We’re remodeling our kitchen and looking for contractors. How do we choose the right contractor and make sure they’re reputable?

A: The best way to find someone reputable is to ask a professional — a certified kitchen designer (CKD) or an expert at your local home improvement store — so you’re off to a good start. There are about 300,000 licensed contractors in the state; that can be an intimidating pool to wade through. Often your CKD or home improvement store will have contractors they trust at the ready, saving you a lot of time and trouble. If you’re going it alone, it’s time for a little homework. Here are a few tips for locating and interviewing potential professionals:

Get references: Check websites like Yelp or Angie’s List to learn from the good (and bad) experiences of others in your situation. Reach out to the contractors you like and ask for references. If they can’t provide references, that’s a red flag. Ask references about the quality of the work, the adherence to the time frame and budget discussed and generally what it was like to work with the contractor.

Make sure they’re licensed and bonded: In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project valued at $500 or more for labor and materials has to hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board of California (CSLB). Found a contractor you like? Ask for their license number and check the CSLB website (www.cslb.ca.gov) to make sure he or she is actively licensed and bonded. Licensed professionals have passed a state-approved test, and, in a worst-case scenario, you have recourse to take action against them if they don’t follow through on the job.

Get the right contractor for the job: Any Chuck with a truck can tell you he can install your whole kitchen for you, but don’t be fooled. You want your contractors licensed and bonded for each individual job in your kitchen. Your general contractor will usually be in charge of the overall project and will coordinate any specialty contractors for specific jobs like installing your cabinets, plumbing, electrical, etc. General contractors might be able to install your entire kitchen, but only if they hold current licenses in each individual area.

Ask about their business: You want to make sure your contractor’s business is stable because you want someone who’s likely to be around in a year in case you have any issues down the road with the work.

Get estimates: Narrow your choices down and get three estimates. Be cautious if two prices are close and one is ridiculously low. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Get it in writing: Once you’ve chosen a contractor (or contractors), make sure to put anything you discuss around your remodel in writing. Don’t sign off on anything that’s halfway done. Understand the payment structure and make sure you’ve both agreed to it in writing. Keep copies of all documents in a file.

Janine Penner, a Certified Kitchen & Bath Design Specialist, works at the Dixieline Classic Collections — Kitchen & Bath Super Showroom on Miramar Road. She can be reached in store or by phone at (858) 695-9712. Have a kitchen question? Email her at Janine.Penner@probuild.com